ABC, Fox, Discovery And Others Sign On To Comcast And Twitter’s SEEiT Initiative

This could provide an important boost for the effort that Comcast and Twitter announced in October to strengthen social media users’ bond with TV shows. The companies say that as early as Q1 content suppliers ABC Entertainment, A+E Networks, AMC Networks, Crown Media, Discovery, and Fox Networks will join the initiative — as will distributors Cablevision, Charter, and Time Warner Cable. (Comcast-owned NBCUniversal is already on board, of course.) Here’s the way it’s supposed to work: When a Twitter user discusses a TV show, a “SEEIt” button will show up on the tweet. Readers using a mobile device who click on the button can instruct the set top box to take them directly to the show (live or on demand) — just as they would with a remote control — or watch online if available, set a DVR to record it, or simply create a reminder to watch. Comcast is “encouraged by the early results during our ‘preview’ period,” says Chief Business Development Officer Sam Schwartz. “These new partners will help enhance the experience by allowing more consumers to conveniently tune, record, or watch their favorite shows and movies from the places they’re discovering them.”